There has been a sudden spike in the trend of “RIPCartoonNetwork” on X, which has shocked viewers, with some stating the channel will "shut down". The hashtag became popular after an X account called "Animation Workers Ignited" posted a video with the message "Cartoon Network is dead?!" The viral video also suggested that other studios aren't far behind and referenced layoffs in the animation business. Now, the channel has also shared a statement with HT regarding the claims of shutting down.
The viral video outlines how Cartoon Network is practically gone, and other studios are not far behind. It also discusses animation workers, claiming that workers would become unemployed in record numbers, and that many workers have been unemployed for over a year.
As the video goes on, it mentions, “That's right when covid first hit, animation was able to animation was able to operate completely remotely. Making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted, but studios decided to pay them back by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse.” (Also Read: Newspaper clipping with Cartoon Network shows goes viral, people get nostalgic)
It further states, ""But why would they do that? Why else? Greed. Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, and CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they wanna reap, huh? I'll show them reap! I don't think you'll be doing much with a plastic scythe, But you can help by spreading the word. Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows you wish were still around using #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned for more ways to help TAG (The Animation Guild) by following this account. Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?" (Also Read: Disgruntled social media users blast Cartoon Network as it introduces two nonbinary characters in ‘We Baby Bear’)
Watch the video here:
{{/usCountry}}It further states, ""But why would they do that? Why else? Greed. Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, and CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they wanna reap, huh? I'll show them reap! I don't think you'll be doing much with a plastic scythe, But you can help by spreading the word. Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows you wish were still around using #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned for more ways to help TAG (The Animation Guild) by following this account. Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?" (Also Read: Disgruntled social media users blast Cartoon Network as it introduces two nonbinary characters in ‘We Baby Bear’)
Watch the video here:
{{/usCountry}}Here's how people are reacting to the claims of the channel shutting down:
What did Cartoon Network say about this claim?
After the claim and the video went viral, Cartoon Network told HT.com, “Cartoon Network would like to clarify that there is no truth to the speculation that the network or the studio is shutting down. With a number of recently announced greenlights, we remain committed to continually investing in innovative content that entertains and inspires our viewers across the globe.”